Before the Council
The girls immediately retreated to a small study room. Rebecca brought them two books, one called Council Procedures, and the other, Privileges and Duties of Slytherin Clubs.
"Do you need anything else? asked Rebecca. "Little Umberto is working on this, too. He asked for a History of Slytherin House. Blake found one in the downstairs library."
"We have everything we need right now," said Morwena. "If I need anything, I will send someone to find you." Rebecca nodded and left. A Fifth Year, she had homework to do even this early in the term.
Morwena gave a cursory look through Privileges. To Rhiannon, she asked softly, "Can you bring me pen and parchment, please." Rhiannon got up quickly and left the room. By the time she returned, Morwena had moved on to the Council Procedures book.
Morwena took the pen and parchment from Rhiannon with a quiet, "Thanks." Right away, she began to take notes. Rhiannon stood by for a few minutes before joining Pauline on a nearby sofa.
Tess, meanwhile, had been sitting in a chair across the table from Morwena. She picked up the book Morwena had discarded and browsed the table of contents. The section on covens comprised the second half of the book. She opened it and read the following:
In Medieval Times, witches who were not married gathered into groups for support and protection. They farmed their own food, as well as their magical herbs and fungi; raised livestock; and gathered their own wand wood. Their abodes were protected by powerful spells and enchantments, which were often cast collectively to increase their potency. Membership in a coven was typically for life. A witch who broke away, either to work independently or to marry, took a great risk in doing so. She could not at a later date re-enter the coven. It would be closed to her. A witch who became pregnant would be outcast . . ..
Men were forbidden on the grounds of the coven, though witches often traded with wizards for the magical substances needed for wand-making . . ..
Tess skipped ahead, several pages, and began again at the following line:
In contemporary times, cliques of young witches are often called covens. These covens maintain some of the collective power of their ancient predecessors. Membership rules are not so strict. Girls can move in and out of their coven at will, and they are not typically forbidden from associating with boys.
Tess now flipped to the front and read about clubs for boys.
Young wizards gather into groups called Factions. These can be political or social in nature. Within the last twenty years in Slytherin House, there has been a deep political schism. The two major Factions are the Conservatives (often referred to simply as "Slytherins") and Progressives.
For a House so steeped in Tradition as Slytherin, it is understandable that the Conservatives have been the dominant faction. Even as recently as the Malfoy Years, Progressives were an underground group. Their membership and rituals were closely held secrets. Generally, they were Muggleborns, and others of dubious heritage, who were drawn by their ambitious natures to the Halls of the Serpent.
Since the Shaklebolt Administration, Progressives have become more visible, with wizards and witches alike openly proclaiming their membership. The derisive term, "Prog," once nearly on par with "Mudblood" in terms of offensiveness, is now worn as a badge of honour . . .. Tess skipped ahead to the chapter, "Gaining Membership." Young Slytherin wizards, those below the Third Year, are not typically made members of a Faction. These boys must prove themselves to their elders by demonstrating attributes desirable to one group or the other. If a group of First Years show a particular preference early on, they can be guided by an older mentor into forming a Splinter. By the beginning of their Third Year, it is expected that some or all of these members will be drawn into the larger Faction of which they have been mimicking . . .
Factions are exclusively male, while their corresponding group, Covens, are exclusively female. The sexes do mix in the political arena, particularly in more recent times, as witches have served admirably both on the Slytherin Council and in Committees. More commonly, Witches and Wizards collaborate and mingle in social groups, referred to as Parties . . .
On the whole, it was dry reading, and Tess had little patience with it. Receiving no commands or instructions, she left Morwena to her note taking and joined Rhiannon and Pauline on the sofa.
As soon as Tess sat down, Rhiannon asked her, "What does Umberto Calais have to do with all of this?"
"He must be forming his own Splinter group," answered Tess. "He can't join the Progs until he's a Third Year."
"That will force Cy and Spencer to form a Conservative Splinter," said Rhiannon. Tess nodded.
"What does Umberto need with a history book?" asked Pauline.
Tess shrugged. "I have no idea."
"I'm not sure Wen knows either," said Rhiannon. "She seemed as puzzled by that as anyone.
At quarter 'til six, Rebecca came for them. "Put that stuff away now, please. We must have something to eat."
"Where's Vanessa?" asked Rhiannon sharply.
Rebecca's answer was curt. "Blake is watching her." She's been with the boys this whole time, thought Tess. Having a Party.
Morwena's head was still bent over her book as she scribbled notes in a quick shorthand. "You must eat," Rebecca demanded. Morwena straightened and stretched. Reluctantly, she rose to her feet and gathered up her things. Rebecca helped her carry her book, notes and ink bottle back to the dormitory. The Prefect escorted them all up the stairs for dinner.
In the Great Hall, there was much excitement along the Slytherin table in anticipation of the First Council Meeting of the Year. There were groups of threes and fours on either side clustered together and whispering. Delia was sitting next to the Seventh Year, Helen Hellgate. Morwena gave her a hard, glowering stare. Tess paired it with one of her own, proud and haughty.
At the First Year end of the table, Umberto was looking particularly smug. "Watch out, Spencer," said Cyrus, dryly, "the Blood Traitor is scheming again."
"None of that language at the dinner table, please!" said Rebecca crossly.
The food appeared on the table. Cyrus dug in without another word. Morwena gave Umberto a cautious gaze. He smiled back at her.
"I have no intention of thwarting your ambition, my dear friend," said Umberto to Morwena. "I think I have the answer to all of our little problems."
Morwena gazed deeply into Umberto's eyes, as if trying to enter his mind and perceive his thoughts. Tess doubted that Morwena could be a Legilimens at this age, but she admired her for trying. Though no other word or signal passed between them, Morwena let out a long sigh. Her shoulders relaxed, and she began to eat.
After dinner, Rebecca and Blake led the First Years back to the Common Room and down the stairs to the Lower Halls, four floors below the level of the Entrance Hall. The dormitories of the Fifth through Seventh Years were there, along with additional meeting rooms and libraries.
These rooms were forbidden to students below the Third Year, unless they were escorted by their Prefect. Third and Fourth Years seldom had business down stairs, and we not usually welcome. Only Fifth Years and above came down the stairs regularly.
Right off the main stairway was a large stone room with many chairs. The Conference Room was cold and poorly lit. At the front of the room was a long oak desk. On each sturdy foot was carved a snake's head. Behind the desk were seven chairs, one for each Council Member.
An eighth chair, high backed and grand looking, with a plush seat covered in crimson velvet, stood empty along one of the walls. The students, as they took their seats in the gallery, avoided it.
Rebecca led her girls to the front row of the gallery. They filed in one way, with Morwena in the lead, while Blake led the boys in from the opposite end of the aisle. The girls' usual order had been shuffled. Vanessa was now between Tess and Rhiannon. Next to Tess was Morwena. Blake positioned himself between Gordon and Cyrus. Umberto and Morwena ended up side by side.
Tess rubbed her arms and wished she had worn a jumper. She whispered to Morwena, "You didn't bring your notes!"
"I did," Morwena answered. "They're in my cloak. But I don't know how I shall ever read them. The light is terrible!"
Into the seven chairs at the front of the room came the Council Members. They were all Seventh Years - five boys and two girls. The Head of the Council that year was a boy named Bitters. He was Head Boy. (Incidentally, his younger brother, a Fifth Year, worked in the library as an aide to Madam Pince.)
Helen Hellgate took her seat next to Bitters. Tess whispered, "She's Delia's ally on the Council."
Morwena nodded. "She narrowly missed being Head Girl. Lost to a Ravenclaw on a very close vote, from what I hear. She's still very bitter about it."
The hum of chatter faded quickly into silence. Professor Gregor had entered the room. He came down the main aisle, shook Bitters' hand, then took his seat in the high-backed chair.
"Thank you for joining us, Professor," said Bitters loudly, more to the audience than to Gregor.
"You're welcome. As most of you know, I am here as an observer. It is up to the Council and the students assembled here to make decisions. This is an important part of Slytherin culture, going back centuries. Let us begin."
Bitters addressed the audience. “The First Slytherin Council meeting for the 2005-2006 school year is now called to order. We will attend to Orders of Business, starting with matters involving the First Years and continuing on up to the Seventh Year. Junior members, when your matter is resolved, you may go upstairs."
Morwena turned her head and whispered to Tess, "That was not a request, but an order. They don't like us being down here."
Bitters continued. "The first Order of Business is the matter of the First Year Clubs. We have noted some clear divisions forming, but everything must be approved. There are two petitions to form Splinters, is that correct? Let's hear from one of them, now, please."
Cyrus Kane stood. Tess could barely see him, as Blake was sitting between Cyrus and Gordon, but his nasally, high pitched voice was clearly heard. "Cyrus Kane and Spencer Osgood wish to form a First Year Splinter of the Conservative Slytherin Faction."
He's been coached, thought Tess. By Blake, most likely.
Bitters turned to his left. "Beardsley, you lead the Conservative Faction. Do you accept these two, to be mentored and molded into proper Conservatives?"
"Proper Slytherins, you mean," said Beardsley, smoothly. "Yes, I do."
Bitters ignored the snide remark. "Now, for the Progressives. We have a Prog Splinter, too, is that correct?"
Umberto stood. "The First Year Progressives, out of gentlemanly spirit, defer our request until after the matter of the First Year Coven is resolved."
Bitters stared at Umberto, irritated that his agenda had been so quickly disrupted. "Very well," he said at last. "Let's have the girls next."
Morwena stood. She had her notes in her hands but didn't look down at them. She gazed at Bitters and said firmly, "The First Year girls wish to form a Coven, with all the rights, privileges and responsibilities therein."
Helen Hellgate said, "Do you speak for all the First Year girls? I have heard there was a schism, and that one of the girls was being ostracized."
"It is not our intention to exclude or ostracize anyone," Morwena countered, sternly.
"Yet, you must concede that, whatever your intentions, this is happening. This very afternoon, the four of you went to a party and left the fifth girl behind."
"Vanessa was invited to accompany us," said Morwena. "We were attending an Inter-House social event. Vanessa did not receive an invitation from the host, but we assured her that she would be welcome if she came with us. She chose not to attend."
"Who will be running this Coven?" asked Hellgate, aggressively. "Who is your Mistress?"
Morwena stood undaunted, head held high. "This will be a free will social club," she answered. "If we require assistance or mediation, we will seek out our Fifth Year Prefect, Rebecca Gallstone."
"I wish to test this notion of free will for myself," said Hellgate. "Vanessa Ables, please stand and tell us, do you wish to join this coven?"
Vanessa, on Tess' left, was slouching in her seat, looking bored and sullen. Reluctantly, she got to her feet. "No, I do not wish to join this coven."
"Thank you," said Hellgate, in a tone which indicated that she had just won the argument. "Please be seated."
"Let's hear from the rest of them," said Wereville, the other girl on the Council. "Tess Covenshire, please stand."
Tess stood up and said proudly, "I will join the Coven." Pauline and Rhiannon promptly echoed her.
"But do you see?" said Hellgate. "This is still an unacceptable outcome! This girl cannot be left without a social circle. Groups and clubs are the very fabric of Slytherin society!" There were nods of assent all along the table. "Are there any other junior clubs prepared to take in our orphan First Year?"
For a moment, there was silence. No Second or Third Year girl rushed forward to offer Vanessa a place in their coven.
Then, Umberto stood once more. "Miss Hellgate, if I may?"
"Yes, Calais, what is it?"
"I wish to offer Vanessa Ables a place in the First Year Progressive Splinter."
Behind Umberto, the room erupted in angry chatter. Bitters drew out a gavel and pounded it on the desk.
"You cannot have a girl in your political splinter," said Hellgate. "And, you're too young to form a co-ed social party."
"Isn't this what being a Progressive is all about?" asked Umberto. "Stretching the boundaries? You asked for someone to step forward and offer Vanessa a social circle. I have done so. What you call it is irrelevant to me."
"But, there's no precedence for this kind of arrangement!" said Hellgate, hotly.
"No precedence, Miss Hellgate?" asked Umberto delicately. Right then, Tess knew the older girl had misspoken.
Hellgate sighed heavily. "No contemporary precedence!"
"But historically, there is precedence." That's why he needed the history book! thought Tess. He was looking for historical precedence for having a girl in a boy's club!
Robert Kaufmann, sitting at the far end of the table from Helen Hellgate, called out derisively, "You're not going to lecture us on Abigail Van Helsing, are you?"
Umberto turned sideways, so he could see both the Council Members and the students in the gallery behind him. "For those whose historical acumen is less than that of our esteemed colleague, Abigail Van Helsing was the first witch admitted into Slytherin House, which had been, up to that point, all male.
"By all accounts, she thrived here, forming many social connections. There were no other Slytherin witches until Van Helsing's Third Year. Not until after she had graduated were there enough girls of the same age to form a coven as we know them today.
"Up until that point, and from what I've read, for many years afterwards, girls were in Political Factions, not just in Social Parties. Van Helsing for certain participated in Factions. She was never in a coven."
"But that was nearly three hundred years ago!" cried Hellgate.
"What does that matter?" asked Umberto smoothly. "You wanted precedence, and I offered it."
"Such the little solicitor he is," remarked Kaufmann, dryly. Behind Tess, there were pockets of soft laughter.
Stone, Center Chaser for the Slytherin team, and thought by many to be their future captain, stood. "As Head of the Slytherin Progressive Faction, I formal accept Umberto Calais, Gordon Sumner and Vanessa Ables as the Progressive First Year Splinter. I will mentor and mold all three of them into proper Progs."
Rebecca stood. "Where will these three be meeting? They will have to keep to the public spaces! We cannot have her in the boy's dormitory!"
"No harm shall come to the Little Sister," said Stone, darkly.
Tess blushed, watching the Prefect she admired be stared down by the older boy. She has power over us, but not over them.
Umberto, still standing, said, "Have we resolved matters to the satisfaction of the council?"
After a pause, Bitters said, "Let's have a vote, shall we? If Vanessa Ables is now a member of the Splinter, do we therefore accept the First Year Coven as is?"
"I still think they need a leader," said Hellgate.
"Prefect Gallstone will do as their de-facto Mistress," said Kaufmann.
Tess and Morwena shared a quiet nod. Kaufmann was in their corner.
"Any further objections?" asked Bitters. There was silence. "Kaufmann, do you support the proposed Coven as is?"
"Aye."
"Stone?"
"Aye."
"Wereville?"
Wereville led out a long sigh while Tess tensed in anticipation. "Aye."
"One more and we've got it," whispered Morwena. "This is a straight majority decision."
Bitters skipped his own vote and went on to Hellgate. Maybe that's procedure. Council Head votes last.
"Hellgate?"
"Nay."
"Beardsley?"
"Let's be done with this nonsense!" said Beardsley impatiently. "Aye!"
Bitters leaned forward and gazed through the gloom at the girls. "You are hereby entered into a Coven," he said solemnly. "This is a Free Will arrangement. If at any time, one of you feels that this group has served its purpose, you may leave it for another, or form your own coven with other girls.
"There is no precedence, historical or otherwise, for a boy to be in a coven. When you reach the Third Year, you will be eligible to participate in co-ed Social Parties and to serve on Political Committees. Until that time, any co-ed social activity, including study sessions, will be restricted and closely monitored by your Prefect."
Bitters rapped his gavel once again. "This matter is hereby resolved. Preston, Gallstone, take the First Years back upstairs."
Tess clasped Morwena's hand, and the two shared a quick smile. They had their coven, and Delia's ambition to lead them had been thwarted.